Club 80-90 Forums

This poll is not (only) for my benefit, it follows on from some recent threads about the availability (or lack of) of "properly" re-built (or properly repaired) WBX engines.

In a recent post (link) AdrianC correctly pointed out the lack of availability of high quality re-built (or repaired - there is a difference) WBX engines is simply due to lack of demand. But, I am wondering if there actually is a demand.

Note the word "professional" in the poll options refers to a mechanic with good skills and experience with these engines, and a track record of getting it "right". I know of 2 folk that fit that bill, but one (from on here) does not do it as a job, just a sideline and so is not available to us mere mortals, and the other (Marco Mansi) does not seem to answer emails or phone calls and I hear might have moved to the USA.

You will find that voting and actually stumping up the cash are two different things.

Cruz wrote:You will find that voting and actually stumping up the cash are two different things.

Even if only half stump up the cash its got to be worth somebody capable doing it.

None of the above
wheres the i like to have a go myself even if it costs me more in the long run button?

ghost123uk wrote: In a recent post (link) Itchyfeet correctly pointed out the lack of availability of high quality re-built (or repaired - there is a difference) WBX engines is simply due to lack of demand.

Errrr, no i didn't, i didnt even comment on that thread
wrong link maybe?

itchyfeet wrote:None of the above - where is the I like to have a go myself even if it costs me more in the long run button?

It's not there cause most folk do not have the facilities (me) or experience to DIY it

itchyfeet wrote:

ghost123uk wrote: In a recent post (link) Itchyfeet correctly pointed out the lack of availability of high quality re-built (or repaired - there is a difference) WBX engines is simply due to lack of demand.

Errrr, no i didn't, i didnt even comment on that thread
wrong link maybe?

Doh ! Sorry about that, I have been reading all the threads on this recently and it was AdrianC, not you that commented

ghost123uk wrote:

itchyfeet wrote:None of the above - where is the I like to have a go myself even if it costs me more in the long run button?

It's not there cause most folk do not have the facilities (me) or experience to DIY it

How do you know that? Have you done a survey?
surely the point of any survey is to get an idea of the whole picture

How about an option to beef up a 1.9 with a 2.1 bottom?

flyinghitop wrote:bottom?

itchyfeet wrote:

flyinghitop wrote:bottom?

I don't know the full comparison to vote on this.... I'm not even convinced I know which engine the WBX is? 1.9 DG right?

Anyway, the cost comparison i would look at is replacing with a more modern engine and/or how difficult are they to really repair? I do know a local bloke who runs an engineering workshop,which mostly focuses on rebuilds. Could he be any help in your quest?.

I rebuilt mine and they are not difficult to rebuild previously I have rebuilt and A series, an L series diesel and 2x XUD 1.9 diesels as well as making a real mess up of a reliant engine (piston rings upside down!!!) The waterboxer was no different and easier in some ways but as I was lacking experience I followed the haynes and missed a hairline crack in one head. I also settled for valve guides which were within spec but really should have been changed (I now know due to the valve gear noise!!) Other than that all the usually leaky bits are fine if you take care with the reassembly.

The point of the survey is simply to try to establish if there is a demand for a "place" that could build reconditioned WBX engines to a high standard of workmanship (and hence reliability) for the many folk that just wish to simply purchase such an item.

It is a simple survey about that, not a debate about DIY or Alternate engines

You never know, I might be considering becoming to WBXs what Aidan is to gearboxes - actually, now I said that, nah.

Get voting !!

well without being able to discuss it then I would pick the first option. If the engine needs to be pulled apart. I'd want to know that in 6 months it isnt going to need to be done again!

Hi John,
Trouble is many of the engine parts are now obsolete from Volkswagen so any quality rebuild is faced with the decision to either use inferior 'pattern' parts or better quality 'but used' original parts.
You cannot truly 'rebuild' to the desired 'high standards' because of this scarcity of quality parts issue.
So the 'Debate' is sort of pointless IMO.

Martin

California Dreamin wrote:Hi John,
Trouble is many of the engine parts are now obsolete from Volkswagen so any quality rebuild is faced with the decision to either use inferior 'pattern' parts or better quality 'but used' original parts.
You cannot truly 'rebuild' to the desired 'high standards' because of this scarcity of quality parts issue.
So the 'Debate' is sort of pointless IMO.

Martin

Not sure I agree with that, what John is asking is if people will pay much more for a much better rebuild, if parts are obsolete then they are obviously second hand but new where available or where not well inspected good second hand and reworked parts would be used.

The labour along is a big part of the cost so a £1100 engine isn't going to have many new parts in it , its basically just had the head seals replaced and the few broken bits replaced, shift up to £3K and theres money for lots of new parts where available, better inspection, more time cleaning up etc.